BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Jack Dalrymple today appointed Maggie Anderson the interim executive director of the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Anderson has directed the department’s Medical Services Division since 2005. Her appointment to serve as interim executive director is effective today, Aug. 23, 2012, and may run through the 2013 Legislative Session. The Department of Human Services employs about 2,100 people and has a current, two-year budget of $2.6 billion.

“Maggie is a proven leader and she brings a wealth of expertise to her interim role as executive director of human services,” Gov. Dalrymple said. “I am confident that the Department of Human Services will continue to provide high-quality services under Maggie’s leadership. We are fortunate that she has accepted this additional responsibility until a permanent director is appointed.”

As the department’s medical services director, Anderson is responsible for the administration of the Medicaid Program, state-funded Home and Community-Based Services, and the Children’s Health Insurance program (Healthy Steps). Anderson will retain her responsibilities as Medical Services Division director during her interim appointment.

Anderson joined the Department of Human Services in February 2003 as the deputy director of Medical Services. She has also served as an assistant director of Child Nutrition programs in the Department of Public Instruction, where she worked from August 1989 until February 2003. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food and Nutrition from North Dakota State University; and also holds a Master’s in Management from the University of Mary. She is a North Dakota native and a graduate of New England Public High School.

Carol Olson retired Friday, Aug. 17, after serving as the Department of Human Services’ executive director for 15 years.

For more information, contact: Jeff Zent or Jody Link at 701.328.2200.